Letters to the Editors

Legislators deny Medicare blame

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 27, 2000

Editor: Re: Government should do more on health issues, July 18 letter to the editor by Joseph J. Nicholas:

We take offense to the last paragraph of the letter, "We have not heard a word from our state legislators. Where are they?"

Well, Mr. Nicholas, we are exactly where we have always been . . . on your side. The Hernando County delegation of state legislators are now, and have always been, fighting for your rights in Tallahassee. We cannot fight for you in Washington, D.C.

We agree that the HMO availability in Hernando County is a terrible situation for our elders to be facing. However, the sad fact is that it is the federal government that funds Medicare and we can't do anything to remedy this on a state level. You must contact your federal legislators; they are the ones who must act upon this crisis.

However, you should know that on a state level we are doing everything possible to ease your burden of paying for overpriced drugs. Because of legislation we passed this year in Tallahassee, every person who has a Medicare card is now entitled to receive a substantial discount on prescription purchases. Additionally, starting in January 2001, those who qualify will be assisted by up to $80 per month for their prescription purchases.

While Washington argued about prescription drug relief, Tallahassee acted. I hope this helps to clear up Mr. Nicholas' misconception.
-- Sen. Ginny Brown-Waite, District 10 Rep. Nancy Argenziano, District 43 Rep. David Russell Jr., District 44

Share your views

The Hernando Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Hernando Times, 161 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601. Send letters by electronic mail (in text only format) to hernando@sptimes.com

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.